Brands
Placemakr is opening its second Arizona property, Placemakr Tempe, Apartments by Hilton, on Dec. 2. The newly constructed luxury property within the Shorehaven community offers 87 furnished studio to three-bedroom accommodations and amenities including a resort-style pool, game lawn, clubroom and fitness center. CEO Jason Fundin said demand for apartment-style stays is outpacing supply, and Tempe's mix of business, university and leisure demand makes it a natural fit. The opening follows Placemakr's first Arizona location in downtown Phoenix and is part of Hilton's Apartment Collection category launched in January with Placemakr.
InterContinental Hotels Group's Crowne Plaza brand reopened its flagship property in New York's Times Square on September 2 — the fully renovated Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square. The 22-story, 685-room hotel, developed by Qatar's Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company and managed by Highgate, previously operated as The Manhattan at Times Square.
The Bohemian Savannah Riverfront hotel has officially been renamed Hotel Orielle, still under Marriott International's Autograph Collection. The hotel features 75 guest rooms, and its new brand identity pays tribute to the city's romantic history, introducing experiences such as rooftop views, refreshed dining, and art installations. This move comes as Marriott expands its lifestyle hotel segment, while Savannah's boutique hotel market continues to heat up.
Marriott International announced a partnership with the NFL to launch 37 player-curated city guides within its Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, aimed at helping guests and fans explore host cities in depth. The initiative spans the 2026 season, includes exclusive hotel experiences and a 10-episode series, and offers packages featuring tickets, accommodations, and local experiences through Bonvoy Moments.
Highline Hospitality Partners, an investment firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, has acquired the dual-branded AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk and Element San Antonio Riverwalk in Texas. The property, converted from an office building in 2022, will be managed by Avion Hospitality. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Developer LaPour Partners is progressing with plans to transform a 19-story office tower in downtown Phoenix into a 340-room JW Marriott hotel. The proposed property at the Arizona Center would include a resort-style pool, outdoor event venues, and 15,000 square feet of meeting space. The project aligns with JW Marriott's nationwide expansion as Marriott International boosts luxury offerings amid growing travel demand.
In Q2 2026, hotel companies saw widespread RevPAR gains, supported by strong travel fundamentals and the FIFA World Cup. Luxury segments boosted Marriott and Hyatt. Development pipelines expanded, with IHG, Choice, and Wyndham reporting notable openings growth. AI tools launched by IHG and Wyndham, while Choice and Marriott advanced enterprise AI strategies. Leadership changes included Choice's CEO departure and Wyndham's CEO health update. Several companies raised full-year RevPAR outlooks.
Alum, a new luxury hospitality concept backed by Derek Jeter, targets college towns with a mix of condos, hotel rooms, and a members' club. CEO David Vialli explains the model, the market opportunity, and growth plans.
Stoa Lodging will reposition the Hotel Z in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter as Stellen San Diego Gaslamp, joining the Series by Marriott brand. The property, managed by Evolution Hospitality, is slated to open in early 2027 with 100 redesigned guest rooms and locally driven amenities.
Hotel Dive's weekly Lodging Lowdown highlights key industry headlines: Radisson Hotel Group introduces Long Stays by Radisson Hotels for corporate clients; Extended Stay America's Mark Williams announces retirement; Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital receive approval for a $2B Puerto Rico resort; Highgate appoints Siim Karu as chief commercial officer.